Developer seeks permission to start utilities, grading for Apollo Group site at 847–999 US 41 in Schererville

Rich Ruth, the petitioner for the Apollo Group Addition Lot 2, asked Schererville Town officials during a study session to approve work on utilities, grading and landscaping for the front portion of a commercial site at 847–999 U.S. 41 while he awaits a FEMA decision on the rear floodplain.

The request matters because Ruth said the town work would allow him to extend sewer and water from the existing line near the Target property, install a detention pond and complete front‑lot grading and landscaping even if the rear of the parcel remains subject to floodplain restrictions. Ruth said the rear contains about 10 feet of an existing foundation that is currently in FEMA’s floodplain mapping and that a FEMA clearance could change whether buildings can be placed there.

Ruth told the meeting, “We’re here to request permission to start the construction of the next phase of the property known as 847.” He described demolition completed at…